Necklaces useable separately or in parallel strands



G. VERRI July 23, 1963 NECKLACES USEABLE SEPARATELY OR IN PARALLEL STRANDS Filed April 22. 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR 56726 Verrz' BY M I flfzarvzeys'.

July 23, 1963 e. VERRI 3,098,364

NECKLACES USEABLE SEPARATELY OR IN PARALLEL STRANDS Filed April 22. 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. 572 a Var? 25715 fyj "Q/Mf United States Patent 3,098,364 NECKLAfIES USEABLE SEPARATELY 0R us PARALLEL STRANDS Gene Verri, Warwick, 52.1., assignor to Corn, Inc. of Rhode island, Providence, RL, a corporation of Rhode Island Fiierl Apr. 22, 1960, Ser. No. 24,8993 2 Claims. (Cl. 632) The present invention relates to a necklace construction. More particularly, the present invention relates to an interchangeable necklace construction wherein a first necklace unit is adapted to be removably secured to a second necklace unit to form a multistrand necklace assembly.

Necklaces are usually constructed in units of one or more strands of ornamental articles, and heretofore in order to produce a necklace assembly having a plurality of strands having various color combinations, it was necessary to form the necklace unit in the number of strands and colors required. It is oftentimes desirable to vary the color combinations of a necklace, particularly if it is costume jewelery and similarly it is desirable to vary the number of strands contained in the necklace since variations in color combinations and in the number of necklace strands provide for flexibility of use.

The necklace construction embodied in the present invention comprises a novel combination necklace assembly that includes a pair of necklace units, each unit being formed of different ornamental articles and colors and adapted to be worn independently. However the individual necklace units are so constructed that they may be interengaged to form a combination multi-strand assembly.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a necklace construction wherein individually formed necklace units are detachably secured together, the combined units being adapted to be worn in a single assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a necklace construction that includes means for detachably securing separate necklace units together.

Still another object is to provide a securing means for a necklace unit that enables the necklace unit to be easily and simply combined with another necklace unit for forming a combination necklace assembly.

Still another object is to provide a securing means formed of a plastic material for use in a necklace construction that is adapted to be mounted on a securing means formed of a metal material, the resiliency of the plastic material enabling the securing means formed therefrom to be readily attachedto or detached from the metal securing means.

Still another object is to provide a necklace unit having ornamental articles formed of a specific shape and color that is adapted to be detachably secured to a necklace unit having ornamental articles formed of a different shape and color, the combined units defining a unique and ornamental necklace assembly.

Still another object is to provide a combination necklace assembly that includes at least two individual necklace units, each of which includes hook means for joining the ends of a unit when it is used independently, and each unit further including additional hook means that cooperates with the hook means of the other unit for securing the combination assembly around the neck of the wearer.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by me for carrying out my invention:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a necklace unit showing one form of a securing member that is adapted to be secured to another necklace unit, and further showing the manner in which the ends of the necklace unit are united when the unit is worn as a separate piece.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one of the securing members of the necklace unit illustrated in FIG. 1, the securing member including a plastic ring to which a hook is secured.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other securing member of the necklace unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and which also includes a plastic ring.

FIG. 4 is a perspective vie-w of the securing member illustrated in FIG. 2 the plastic ring having been removed therefrom and further showing the configuration of the hook member attached thereto;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the plastic ring that was removed from the securing member illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a second necklace unit showing the manner in which end portions that define the securing members therefor are joined together when the unit is worn independently of the first unit.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the assembled necklace units, showing the manner in which the books of the units are interconnected.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of one of the securing members of the second necklace unit showing a metal projection joined centrally to the concave surface thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the securing member illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the interengagement of the securing members illustrated in FIGS. "3 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a side View of the interengaged necklace units.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of the invention showing the construction of the securing members of one of the necklace units. a

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary plan View of the other necklace unit in the modified form of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the necklace units illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 in the assembled position thereof.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the securing members of the modified form of the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another of the securing members of the modified form of the invention.

The necklace construction embodied herein incorporates two multi-strand units, each of which may be used independently or in combination with the other. Each of the necklase units includes securing members that are connected to the free ends thereof and that are adapted to provide for securing the necklace units around the neck of the wearer. In addition, one of the securing members :of each necklace unit is provided with a' hook that is adapted to cooperate with a similar hook on the other unit when the units are secured to each other to form a multi-stand necklace construction. It is understood that the ornamental articles that comprise the necklace units to he described hereinafter may be formed in various ornamental shapes and color combinations, and in the preferred form of the invention, one of the necklace units includes ornamental articles of one color, while the other necklace iunit includes ornamental articles of another color. Thus, when the necklace units are interengaged to form the multi-strand assembly the contrasting ornamental articles and colors provide an interesting and ornamental effect.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, a necklace unit generally indicated at 10' isillustrated and as shown the necklace unit 10 is a separate and independent assembly that is adapted to the worn independently from a second necklace unit generally indicated at 12 in FIG. 6. The necklace unit 12 is also adapted to be worn independently and as will be described hereinarfter is constructed so as to removably receive the necklace uni-t10. As shown more clearly in FIG. 7, the necklace units and 12 are adapted to be assembled in a multi-strand 'assembly and as such are worn as a separate assembly that because of the contrasting necklace units 10, 12 defines an unusual necklace combination.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 5, the necklace unit 10 and the component parts thereof are illustrated in detail and include a securing member generally indicated at :14 that defines one of the free ends of the unit 10 and a securing member '16 that defines the other free end thereof. The securing member 14 includes a metal ring 18 in which a central opening 19 is formed and on the outer periphery of which a plurality of spaced fingers 20 are formed. Also joined to the metal ring 18 along an arcuate portion thereof are four loops ll'ldicated at 22 that are adapted to receive rings that are formed as part of strand units each of which is indicated at 24 in FIG. 1. Each of the strand units 24 includes a plurality of large and small ornaments or ornamental articles that are threaded on a string in the conventional manner, and although a particular form of ornamental article is illustrated, it is understood that other forms, colors and shapes of articles may be utilized in the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Joined to the metal ring 18 on the side opposite the loops 22 by spaced legs 25 is a relatively large loop 26 to which a hook 28 is joined by means of a ring 30. It is understood that in order to enhance the appearance of the finished necklace unit the metal portions of the securing member '14, including the ring 18, the loops 22, loop 26, ring 30 and hook 28, may be coated in any convenient manner to form an ornamental finish. Mounted on the ring 18 is a plastic ring or insert indicated at 32 which as shown in FIG. 5 is formed with a plurality of spaced peripheral grooves 31 for receiving the fingers 20 and with an opening 34 that corresponds to the opemng 19 in the metal ring [18. The plastic ring 32 is formed of linear polyethylene or some similar plastic material and therefore has resilient characteristics which as will be described hereinafter, will be utilized to secure the necklace unit 10 to the necklace unit 12. In the assembly of the plastic ring 32 to the metal ring 18, the openings '19 and 34 are aligned and the fingers 20 are then bent over the peripheral edge of the plastic ring and are received within the grooves 31. The contrasting metal fingers and the plastic ring 32 which may be white in color also form an interesting ornamental effect. The resiliency of the plastic ring also serves to positively retain the fingers 20 in engagement therewith. The securing member 16 of the strand assembly 10 is formed similarly to the securing member 14 with the exception that the book 28 and ring 30 are eliminated therefrom. Thus, the securing member 16 .(FIG. 3) includes a metal ring member 35 to which a plastic ring 36 is secured by means of overlapping fingers 37. The other ends of the units 24 are secured to loops 38 of the securing member 16 to form the complete necklace unit and a large loop 39 having spaced legs is joined to the metal ring 35 on the side opposite the loops 38.

In use, the necklace unit 10 defines an independent necklace piece and is applied to the neck of the wearer by interengaging the hook member 28 of the securing member 14 with the large loop 39 of the securing member 16 (-FIG. 1). As will be described hereinafter, when the necklace unit 10 is to be united with the necklace unit 12, the hook member 28 is disengaged from the loop 39 of the securing member 16, and the securing members 14 and 16 are then interengaged with corresponding securing members that are formed as part of the necklace unit 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the necklace unit 12 is illustrated and includes a securing member generally indicated at 40 and a securing member generally indicated at 42. The securing members 40 and 42 are similarly formed with the exception that the securing element 40 has a book 44 joined thereto through a ring 46, as will be hereinafter described. The parts of the securing members 40 and 42 are numbered similarly and include a metallic dish-shaped disc 48, the outer surface of which is convex and which has an ornamental finish applied thereto. Joined to the inner or concave surface of the disc 48 is a projection or button 50 that is formed with a bulbous end portion that is adapted to be inserted through the central openings in the plastic rings 32 or 36. Joined to the disc 48 along an arcuate portion of the peripheral edge thereof are small loops 52 to which strands 53 of the necklace unit 12 are connected. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the strands 53 are preferably formed of different ornamental articles than those comprising the strands 24 and as such cooperate with the discs 48 to comprise an entirely distinct necklace unit that is distinguished in color and configuration from the necklace unit 10. Also joined to the metal disc 48 on the peripheral edge thereof opposite the small loops 52 is a relatively large loop 54, between the legs of which a projection or guide 55 extends (FIG. 9).

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 10, the ring 46 is joined to the loop 54 of the securing member 40 and thus, when the necklace unit 12 is worn as a separate piece, the hook 44 is interengaged with the loop 54 of the securing member 42 to secure the necklace unit 12 on the neck of the wearer. As hereinabove mentioned with respect to the securing members of the necklace unit 10, when the necklace unit 12 is to be united with the necklace unit 10, the book 44 is released from engagement with the loop 54 of the securing member 42.

With the free ends of the necklace units 10 and 12 disengaged, the units may now be united or joined together to form a multistrand necklace assembly. In carrying out the assembling of the two units, the plastic ring 32 of the securing member 14 is placed in engagement with the concave surface of the metal disc 48 of the securing member 42, the opening 34 in the plastic ring 32 being received by the projection 50. Since the projection 50 of the metal disc 48 is formed with a bulbous portion, it is necessary to exert pressure to force the plastic ring 32 thereover, and due to the resiliency of the material from the plastic ring 32 is formed, the ring will tightly engage the metal disc 48. Similarly, the securing member 16 is assembled with the securing member 40 by forcing the plastic ring 36 over the projection 50 of the metal disc 48. As shown in FIG. 10 the diameters of the plastic ring 36 and its associated metal ring 35 are slightly less than the diameter of the metal disc 48 and the assembled parts thus form a compact construction. In order to properly align the plastic ring 32 or '36 of securing member 14 or 16 with the metal disc 48 of securing member 40 or 42, the projection or guide 55 of the metal disc 48 is positioned between the legs 25 of the loop 39 or 26. The loop 54 is thus caused to coincide with the loop 39 or 26, and since the metal rings 18 and 35 of the securing members 14 and 16 and the convex surfaces of the securing members 40 and 42 are formed with ornamental surfaces, the coacting securing members appear to form a one-piece construction. As shown in FIG. 10, the bulbous end of the projection 50 extends sufficiently through the opening of the plastic ring 36 to cause the plastic ring 32 to be firmly seated on the metal disc 48. The other ends of the necklace units are now united by securing the plastic ring 32 of the securing member 14 to the metal disc 48 of the securing member 42. Since the securing member 14 includes the book 28 and the securing member 40 includes the hook 44, these hooks will be disposed in opposite relation when the securing members 14, 42 and 16, 40 are joined together in the manner described above. Thus, it is seen that in order for the necklace units 10 and 12 to be engaged for wearing as a multi-strand assembly, the securing member .16 must be fastened to the security member 40 which contains the hook 44. Similarly, the

securing member 114 which contains the hook member 28 must be joined to the securing member 42. As shown in FIG. 7, with the necklace units united, the ornamental or convex surface of the metal discs 48 of the securing members 40, 42 are adapted to be worn outwardly thereby hiding the associated securing members 14 and 16. The united necklace units may now be fastened around the neck of the wearer by interengaging the hooks 28 and 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 17 a modified form of the invention is illustrated and differs from the invention described above only in the manner in which the necklace units are joined together. A necklace unit generally indicated at 60 in FIG. 12 is adapted to be united with a necklace unit generally indicated at 62 in FIG. 13. The necklace unit 60 includes a securing member generally indicated at 64 to which a hook 66 is joined. A securing member 68 is adapted to interengage the hook 66 for securing the opposed ends of the necklace unit 60 together when the unit is worn as a separate piece. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15 the securing member 64 is formed with a ring 70 to the outer peripheral edge of which are joined relatively small loops 72. Although the small loops 72' are shown as only being three in number for accommodating three individual strands of ornamental articles, it is understood that more or less loops may be joined to the ring 70 as desired. Strands of ornamental articles indicated at 74 are adapted to be secured to the loops 72 and may include any well known form or color of ornamental article, as desired. Joined to the ring 70 on the end or side opposite the loops 72 is a hook portion 76 that is formed as an integral part of the ring 70 and therefore is not movable with respect thereto. The hook 66 is connected to the hook portion 76 through a small ring 78 and accordingly is relatively movable with respect thereto. The securing member 68 is formed somewhat differently than the securing member 64 and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 includes an open ring member indicated at 8 to which an open loop portion 82 is integrally joined. Formed on the end of the ring 80 opposite the loop portion 82 are small loops 84 to which the opposite ends of the ornamental strands 74 are joined. In use the necklace unit 60 when worn .as a separate piece is applied to the neck of the wearer by interengaging the book 66 within the loop portion 82. It is understood that when the necklace unit 60 is joined to the necklace unit 62 to form the multi-strand assembly the hook 66 will be removed from engagement with the loop portion 82.

Referring now to FIG. 13 the necklace unit 62 is shown including a first securing member generally indicated at 86 and a second securing member generally indicated at 88. The securing member 86 is formed similari-ly to the securing member 68 of the strand assembly 60 and includes a modified open ring 90 to which an open loop portion 92 is integrally joined. Formed on the ring 90 opposite the loop portion 92 are small loops 94 to which strands 96 of ornamental articles are attached. The securing member 8 8 is substantially identical to the securing member 64 of the strand assembly 60' and includes a ring 98 to which are attached small loops 100, the end of the ornamental strands 96 being attached to the loops 100 to complete the necklace unit. Joined to the ring 98 opposite the loops 100' is a hook portion 102 to which a hook 104 is connected by means of a ring 106. In use of the necklace unit 62 as a separate jewelry piece, the assembly is secured around the neck of the wearer by interengaging the hook 104 in the open loop portion 92' and it is understood that when the necklace units 60', 62 are adapted to be secured together to form a multi-strand assembly the hook 104 is disengaged from the loop portion 92 of securing member 86.

When it is desired to combine the necklace units 60 and 62 to form a multi-strand assembly, the securing member 86 of the unit 62 is attached to the securing member 64 of the unit 60 by placing the open loop portion 92 on the hook portion 76. Similarly the securing member 68 of the unit 60 is interengaged with the securing member 88 of the unit 62 by placing the loop portion 82 in engagement with thehook portion 102. The combination unit comprising the necklace units 60 to 62 may then be secured on the neck of the wearer by interengaging the hooks 66 and 104. Since the strand ornament-s 74 and 96 have different shapes, configurations and colors, the combination of the two necklace units 60 and 62 defines a unique and interesting ornamental combination.

Variations in colors and configurations may be provided as desired to suit the wearers taste, however in all forms of the invention and in particular in the two forms of the invention illustrated herein it is understood that each necklace unit may be utilized independently or in combination with the other unit. Moreover, in combining the two units each end of a unit is secured to a corresponding end of the other unit, it being understood that the hook means of each necklace unit is adapted to coact or interengage the hook means of the other unit when the assembly is applied to the neck of the wearer.

It is further understood that the broad concept of the invention encompasses the use of various other forms of securing members such as magnetic members, safety catches, hooks and eyes and other similar elements.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a necklace construction, a first necklace unit, a second necklace unit detachably secured to said first necklace unit thus forming .a composite having opposite ends, means attached to the ends of said first necklace unit for joining said ends thereof when said first necklace unit is detached from said second necklace unit and used independently therefrom, means attached to the ends of said second necklace unit for joining said ends thereof when said second necklace unit is detached from said first necklace unit and used independently therefrom, the joining means of said first and second necklace units including books, one of said hooks being joined to an end of said first unit at one end of said composite, the other of said hooks being joined to said second unit at the other end of said composite, said hOOks being adapted to be interconnected for joining the ends of said necklace units when they are located in the secured position thereof, the means attached to the ends of said first unit for joining the ends thereof further including resilient plastic rings, the means attached to the ends of said second unit -for joining the ends thereof further including metal discs, said plastic rings being mounted on projecting means on said metal discs for detach-ably securing said necklace units together.

2. In a necklace construction, a first necklace unit, a second necklace unit adapted to be detachably secured directly to said first necklace unit, separate securing members joined to the free ends of each of said necklace units and interengageable for detachably securing said necklace units together to form a multi-strand assembly, hook means joined to one of the securing members of each of said necklace units and being interengageable for mounting said multi-strand assembly on the neck of the wearer, the securing members of said first necklace unit including a plastic ring, the securing members of said second necklace unit including a disc having a projection formed thereon, said rings being engageable on said disc projections, the resiliency of said plastic rings causing said rings to be firmly secured to said discs, each of the securing members of said second necklace unit further includ ing a guide joined to its said disc, each of the securing members of said first necklace unitincluding a loop, each of said guides being adapted to extend into a loop for positioning said first securing members with respect to said second securing members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,754,770 Sallop Apr. 15, 1930 

1. IN A NECKLACE CONSTRUCTION, A FIRST NECKLACE UNIT, A SECOND NECKLACE UNIT DETACHABLY SECURED TO SAID FIRST NECKLACE UNIT THUS FORMING A COMPOSITE HAVING OPPOSITE ENDS, MEANS ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF SAID FIRST NECKLACE UNIT FOR JOINING SAID ENDS THEREOF WHEN SAID FIRST NECKLACE UNIT IS DETACHED FROM SAID SECOND NECKLACE UNIT AND USED INDEPENDENTLY THEREFROM, MEANS ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF SAID SECOND NECKLACE UNIT FOR JOINING SAID ENDS THEREOF WHEN SAID SECOND NECKLACE UNIT SAID DETACHED FROM SAID FIRST NECKLACE UNIT AND USED INDEPNDENTLY THEREFROM, THE JOINING MEANS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND NECKLACE UNITS INCLUDING HOOKS, ONE OF SAID HOOKS BEING JOINED TO AN END OF SAID FIRST UNIT AT ONE END OF SAID COMPOSITE, THE OTHER OF SAID HOOKS BEING JOINED TO SAID SECOND UNIT AT THE OTHER END OF SAID COMPOSITE, SAID HOOKS BEING ADAPTED TO BE INTERCONNECTED FOR JOINING THE ENDS OF SAID NECKLACE UNITS WHEN THEY ARE LOCATED IN THE SECURED POSITION THEREOF, THE MEANS ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF SAID FIRST UNIT FOR JOINING THE ENDS THEREOF FURTHER INCLUDING RESILIENT PLASTIC RINGS, THE MEANS ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF SAID SECOND UNIT FOR JOINING THE ENDS THEREOF FURTHER INCLUDING METAL DISCS, SAID PLASTIC RINGS BEING MOUNTED ON PROJECTING MEANS ON SAID METAL DISCS FOR DETACHABLY SECURING SAID NECKLACE UNITS TOGETHER. 